'pro-competition' originates from Latin elements used in English formation: the prefix 'pro-' from Latin 'pro' meaning 'for' and the noun 'competition' from Latin 'competitio' (via Old French/Latin) meaning 'a striving together'.

'competition' evolved from Latin 'competitio' through Old French and Middle English forms (e.g. Middle English 'competicioun') to modern English 'competition'. The prefix 'pro-' comes directly from Latin 'pro' and entered English as a productive prefix; the compound 'pro-competition' is a modern English formation combining the prefix and the noun.

Initially the components conveyed 'for' (pro-) + 'striving together' (competitio); in modern usage 'pro-competition' has come to mean specifically 'in favor of competition' or 'supportive of competitive markets/policies'.